The Pitfalls of Assignments Without Proper Review: A Student’s Perspective
In the educational journey, assignments play a crucial role in reinforcing learning and fostering critical thinking. However, there are times when the lack of careful review by educators can lead to unnecessary frustration for students. Recently, I encountered such a situation in my AP Government and Honors Sociology class that highlights this issue.
After completing the AP exam, our teacher handed us a sociology packet sourced from the internet, labeled as “senioritis-friendly” to help us finish the school year. Unfortunately, this packet contains around five extensive projects, each requiring several days to complete. With only about two weeks remaining in the academic year, the workload is overwhelming and far beyond what’s feasible within the limited timeframe.
It seemed the teacher didn’t fully consider the demands these assignments place on students. For example, one task involves creating a video presentation, and she was surprised to learn that our videos would naturally be about 15 minutes long, given the instructions. The project guidelines and grading rubric specify the required information, but fitting everything in within the time constraints was clearly overlooked. It appears the rubric wasn’t thoroughly reviewed beforehand, leading to unrealistic expectations and added stress.
This experience underscores the importance of teachers thoroughly reviewing assignment guidelines and considering students’ time limitations. Clear, feasible instructions help ensure students can engage meaningfully without feeling overwhelmed. As learners, it’s helpful to communicate these concerns constructively, fostering a collaborative environment that supports success for everyone.
Ultimately, effective assignment design benefits both educators and students—promoting a fair, manageable, and enriching educational experience.